We're into the presentation season now and thanks to the hard work of David Doey and Trevor Harpur all the information is to hand for clubs and indeed the North West to work out where their individual trophies are going this season. One question I am continually asked at this time of year is whether the North West uses total runs/ wickets or else players' averages in deciding its divisional award winners.

The fact of the matter is that they use both and any other available information as well. Award winners are selected by a panel of up to five people and they look at a host of factors and while there are some obvious choices, a player's impact on his side's season comes into the equation as well. The meeting hasn't been held yet to the best of my knowledge but take the Division 1 bowling award as an example. Johnny Thompson has enjoyed a superb season (with both bat and ball) and has 56 wickets to his name. Junior McBrine on the other hand managed 60, at a better average and in a season where his club swept the boards.

I'd be happy to bet a few quid on the Donemana man if anyone was offering even money. Then take the Division 2 batting; Richard Wylie going over 1000 runs at an average of 63 in the year that his club went through their league campaign unbeaten, culminating in a promotion play-off win. Wylie was brilliant for Eglinton this season however if you were to go strictly on the averages, Gordon Cooke with 636 runs at an average of over 100 would win it. That is why there is no set format and the best way to find out who wins what will be to turn up at the North West dinner which is on Friday 9 November at the White Horse.

Next season is obviously the start of a new era in the North West and it will no doubt also be a time for new opportunities as well. The Cricket Operations Committee seems to have bedded in as does the Finance and Development Committees- the latter in particular have been really busy identifying programmes for the next number of years. Those plans will require substantial monetary backing of course and while Cricket Ireland and the North West will do their bit , additional revenue will still need to be found.

With that in mind I was wondering what people's thoughts would be on a summer T20 tournament featuring all 16 senior clubs in an open draw format. T20 is a great leveller but has the potential to draw decent crowds and the thought was to play one game on a Friday evening and one on a Sunday evening through June and July. An open draw would mean 8 first round, 4 second round and two semi final matches before a grand final night the weekend before the senior cup final.

I know many people would love to have a game to watch on a Friday or Sunday evening although obviously the first port of call would have to be with the Derry Midweek League as we wouldn't want to encroach on their good work. With the revenue requirements in our own game at present however I don't think spectators would mind paying a quid to watch some weekend entertainment with the proceeds going into the North West Development Fund. Just food for thought for now but might be worth considering over the winter months.

Finally for now, with the North West AGM expected to take place at the end of the month I am hoping to have an interview with Union President Joe Doherty in the run up to the meeting. Joe has always been of the belief that the Union's future needs to be mapped out and a longer term vision established and he has agreed to open the debate ahead of the AGM. These could be interesting and challenging times for the region and it is fair to suggest that the idea will start with getting as many people as possible involved. You'll see it here first.